Predicting physical activity intentions using a goal perspectives approach: a study of Hungarian youth

Utilising a goal perspectives framework, a study predicting physical activity intentions in 12 to 16-year-old Hungarian adolescents was conducted with two samples. Theoretical predictions established a model that was tested through path analysis. Beliefs thought to underpin goal orientations were hypothesised to predict ego orientation (general and gift beliefs) and task orientation (learning and incremental beliefs). Task orientation was hypothesised to predict intentions directly, while ego orientation was hypothesised to predict intentions indirectly through perceived competence. Results from the first sample (n=301) suggested that the model could be improved by adding paths between general beliefs and perceived competence and between task orientation and perceived competence. This modified model was shown to fit data from a second sample (n=422) very well. Multi-group analysis confirmed a good fit and so the two samples were combined. The model fitted the data well for the total sample (n=723). Overall, results showed that 20.8% of the variance in intentions was explained by the model, and that sport ability beliefs were moderately associated with task orientation but only weakly associated with ego orientation. The motivational importance of a task orientation was confirmed with its direct prediction of intentions.